Ventilating insole structure

ABSTRACT

A ventilating insole structure includes an upper insole, a foam pad, and a lower insole. The upper insole is formed with air vents, an accommodation trough, and a circumferential wall around the accommodation trough. The foam pad is shaped to fit in the accommodation trough. The circumferential wall is configured to enclose the foam pad and the lower insole. The circumferential wall close to a heel portion of the upper insole is provided with a notch. The notch is to receive a foam lug extending from the foam pad or one or multiple air guide pipes to prop up the upper and lower insoles at the notch. In operation with an air outlet of a shoe, the foam lug and the air guide pipe can extend outward as an air passage for fresh air to flow in or out of the shoe so as to circulate air.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a ventilating insole structure, and more particularly to a ventilating insole structure composed of an upper insole, a lower insole, and a middle foam pad sandwiched between the two insoles. The insole is formed with a notch relative to the heel portion of the foam pad to receive a foam lug or an air guide pipe. When in use, the ventilating insole structure is able to guide fresh air into or out of the shoe to provide an air change effect.

2. Description of the Prior Art

In general, an insole able to change air has an air chamber, an upper insole above the air chamber, an air inlet at a heel portion thereof, and a plurality of air vents at a toe portion thereof. The structure is complicated and the cost is high. When in use, the air inlet and air vents may be covered by the user's heel or toes. When the user's trousers cover the vamp, it is not easy to guide external air into the shoe. Prior patents for ventilating insoles can be referred to U.S. Pat. No. 4,215,492 published Aug. 5, 1980; U.S. Pat. No. 5,010,661 published May 30, 1991; U.S. Pat. No. 5,333,397 published Aug. 2, 1994; U.S. Pat. No. 4,224,746 published Sep. 30, 1980; WO 97104,676A1 published Feb. 13, 1997; U.S. Pat. No. 8,037,622 B2 published Oct. 18, 2011.

Prior patents for an insole having an air chamber and a foam pad can be referred to U.S. Pat. No. 4,224,746 published Sep. 30, 1980; U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,447 published Dec. 28, 1999; WO 97/04,676A1.

The present invention is to improve the shortcomings of U.S. Pat. No. 8,037,622 B2 published Oct. 18, 2011; U.S. Pat. No. 7,992,323 B2 published Aug. 9, 2011. Prior patents for an insole having an air chamber or an air bladder to provide an air change function can be referred to U.S. Pat. No. 5,010,661 published May. 30, 1991; U.S. Pat. No. 4,224,746 published Sep. 30, 1980; U.S. Pat. No. 5,333,397 published Aug. 2, 1994. However, it is difficult to make these insoles and the cost is high.

Accordingly, the inventor of the present invention has devoted himself based on his many years of practical experiences to solve these problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the present invention is to provide a ventilating insole structure. The ventilating insole structure comprises an upper insole, a foam pad, and a lower insole. The upper insole is formed with an accommodation trough on a bottom surface thereof and a circumferential wall around the accommodation trough. The foam pad is shaped to fit in the accommodation trough. The circumferential wall is configured to enclose the foam pad and the lower insole. The circumferential wall close to a heel portion of the upper insole is provided with a notch. The notch is adapted to receive a foam lug extending from a rear end of the foam pad or to receive one or a plurality of air guide pipe to prop up the upper and lower insoles at the notch. In operation with an air outlet of a shoe, the foam lug and the air guide pipe can extend outward as an air passage for fresh air to flow in or out of the shoe so as to circulate air, providing an air change effect.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a ventilating insole structure. Wherein, the lower insole is replaced with a sole. The upper insole and the foam pad with the foam lug are directly attached to the sole to provide a ventilating sole. The sole is cost-effective and convenient for use.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a ventilating insole structure. Wherein, the notch is configured to receive the foam lug of the foam pad or one or a plurality of air guide pipes, functioning as an air port. When the insole is washed, the water in the foam pad can be discharged through the air port so as to keep the insole dry and clean.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view according to a first embodiment of a flat ventilating insole structure of the present invention;

FIG. 1-A is a perspective view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 1-B is a sectional view of FIG. 1 when in use;

FIG. 1-C is a perspective view of another embodiment of FIG. 1-A;

FIG. 1-D is a sectional view of FIG. 1-C;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view according to a first embodiment of a cupped ventilating insole structure of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view according to a second embodiment of a flat ventilating insole structure of the present invention;

FIG. 3-A is a sectional view of FIG. 3 when in use;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view according to a second embodiment of a cupped ventilating insole structure of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view according to a third embodiment of a flat ventilating insole structure of the present invention;

FIG. 5-A is a sectional view of FIG. 5 when in use;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view according to a third embodiment of a cupped ventilating insole structure of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view according to a fourth embodiment of a flat ventilating insole structure of the present invention;

FIG. 7-A is a sectional view of FIG. 7 when in use;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view according to a fifth embodiment of a flat ventilating insole structure of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view according to a fourth embodiment of a cupped ventilating insole structure of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the present invention when in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 1-A, FIG. 1-B, and FIG. 2, the present invention comprises an upper insole 1, 1A, a foam pad 2, and a lower insole 3, 3A.

The upper insole 1, 1A is formed with air vents 11, 11 A at a front portion thereof, an accommodation trough 12, 12A on a bottom surface thereof, and a circumferential wall 13, 13A around the accommodation trough 12, 12A. The foam pad 2 is an elastic, porous and ventilative pad shaped to fit in the accommodation trough 12, 12A. The circumferential wall 13 is configured to enclose the foam pad 2 and the lower insole 3, 3A, such that the foam pad 2 is sandwiched and positioned between the upper and lower insoles to constitute a one-piece ventilating insole.

The circumferential wall 13, 13A close to a heel portion of the upper insole 1, 1A, is provided with a notch 14, 14A. The notch 14, 14A is adapted to receive a foam lug 21 extending from a rear end of the foam pad 2. The foam lug 21 is shaped to fit in the notch 14, 14A and has a thickness to prop up the upper and lower insoles at the notch 14, 14A. The foam lug 21 is ventilating for the air between the upper and lower insoles to enter and exit so as to achieve an air change effect. The foam lug 21 is integrally formed with the foam pad 2.

Except for the notch 14 the edge of the insole is stitched to prevent insole from breaking apart while being washed. As stitching 17 indicated in FIG. 1-A & FIG. 1-C,

When the shoe wearer walks and his/her foot presses on the insole, the foam pad 2 is compressed and released repeatedly to bring the AIR in and out of the foam pad 2 through the notch 14, 14A. The air is guided in the foam pad 2 when walking, and the air is guided out of the foam pad 2 when running. In cooperation with the air vents 11, 11A of the upper insole 1, 1A for the air to flow in and out of the shoe so as to achieve a smooth air change effect.

The bottom of the heel portion of a shoe S is formed with an air outlet S1 corresponding to the notch 14, 14A. The notch 14, 14A is aligned with the air outlet S1 to guide the fresh air into the shoe S to circulate the air for lowering the temperature and providing a comfortable effect, as shown in FIG. 1-B.

As shown in FIG. 1-C and FIG. 1-D, the upper insole 1 and the lower insole 3 are provided with protruding blocks 16 extending from rear ends thereof corresponding to the notch 14 and the foam lug 21. The protruding blocks 16 are inserted into the air outlet S1 at the bottom of the heel portion of the shoe S to achieve a better air change effect.

FIG. 3, FIG. 3-A, and FIG. 4 show a second embodiment of the present invention. The second embodiment is substantially similar to the first embodiment with the exceptions described hereinafter. The circumferential wall 13, 13A close to the heel portion of the upper insole 1, 1A, is provided with one or a plurality of notches 15, 15A configured to receive an air guide pipe 4 therein. The air guide pipe 4 corresponds in number and in shape to the notch 15, 15A for the rear end of the foam pad 2 to extend out rearward. The air guide pipe 4 is to prop up the upper insole 1, 1A and the lower insole 3, 3A at the notch 15, 15A for the air between the upper and lower insoles to enter and exit so as to achieve an air change effect.

The bottom of the heel portion of the shoe S is formed with an air outlet S2 corresponding to the notch 15, 15A. The air guide pipe 4 extends outward to be fitted in the air outlet S2. A distal end of the air guide pipe 4 can extend out of the shoe S to circulate the air for lowering the temperature and providing a comfortable effect, as shown in FIG. 3-A.

FIG. 5, FIG. 5-A, and FIG. 6 show a third embodiment of the present invention. The third embodiment is substantially similar to the second embodiment with the exceptions described hereinafter. The circumferential wall 13, 13A close to the heel portion of the upper insole 1, 1A, is provided with one or a plurality of notches 15, 15A configured to receive a converting pipe 5 therein. The converting pipe 5 corresponds in number to the notch 15, 15A for the rear end of the foam pad 2 to extend out rearward. The converting pipe 4 is to prop up the upper insole 1, 1A and the lower insole 3, 3A at the notch 15, 15A for the air between the upper and lower insoles to enter and exit so as to achieve an air change effect. Wherein, a distal end of the converting pipe 5 is connected with a socket 61 of an L-shaped sleeve 6 to form a bent and extendable air passage. The sleeve 6 can be hidden at the inner side of the shoe S. A distal end of the sleeve 6 can extend out of the shoe. The converting pipe 5 and the L-shaped sleeve 6 guide the fresh air in and out of the shoe S to circulate the air for lowering the temperature and providing a comfortable effect, as shown in FIG. 5-A.

FIG. 7 and FIG. 7-A show a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The fourth embodiment is substantially similar to the first embodiment with the exceptions described hereinafter. The foam pad 2 is fitted in the accommodation trough 12 of the upper insole 1 by the circumferential wall 13, and then attached to a top surface of a sole 7, such that the foam pad 2 is sandwiched and positioned between the upper insole 1 and the sole 7. The bottom of the heel portion of the sole 7 is formed with an air outlet 71 corresponding to the foam lug 21 extending from the rear end of the foam pad 2, such that the foam lug 21 can extend outward for the air to enter and exit so as to achieve an air change effect. The sole 7 is combined with the upper insole 1 and the foam pad 2 having the foam lug 21 to constitute a simple and ventilating sole structure.

FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 show a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The foam pad 2 is fitted in the accommodation trough 12, 12A of the upper insole 1, 1A by the circumferential wall 13, 13A, and then attached to a top surface of the lower insole 3, 3A, such that the foam pad 2 is sandwiched and positioned between the upper and lower insoles. The central portion of the heel section of the lower insole 3, 3A is formed with an air guide hole 31, 31A. A heel pad 8 is attached to the lower insole 3, 3A. The heel pad 8 is formed with a blind hole 81 at a rear section thereof. The blind hole 81 is aligned with the air guide hole 31, 31A to cover the air guide hole 31, 31A. The blind hole 81 is connected with an air leading pipe 82. A distal end of the air leading pipe 82 can extend out of the shoe S to circulate the air for lowering the temperature and providing a comfortable effect.

The ventilating insole composed of the upper insole 1, 1A, the lower insole 3,3A, and the middle foam pad 2. When the shoe wearer lifts his/her foot away from the ground, the foam pad 2 will restore its original shape by its elasticity to prop up the air chamber between the upper insole 1, 1A for external air to enter the air chamber through the preset air passage, achieving an active air change effect.

For an example, referring to FIG. 10, when the shoe wearer walks and the wearer's heel P1 first presses the insole, the air passage will be pressed by the heel to be a closed state. After that, the toes P2 press continuously, enabling the AIR in the foam pad 2 to flow out through the air vents 11 so as to expel the humid and hot air nearby the toes. When the shoe wearer lifts his/her foot and the heel P1 is away from the ground, the compressed foam pad 2 will restore its original shape for external air to enter the foam pad 2 through the air guide pipe 4 to achieve a smooth air change effect.

Although particular embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications and enhancements may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not to be limited except as by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A ventilating insole structure, comprising an upper insole, a foam pad, and a lower insole, the upper insole being formed with air vents at a front portion thereof, an accommodation trough on a bottom surface thereof, and a circumferential wall around the accommodation trough, the foam pad being an elastic, porous and ventilative pad shaped to fit in the accommodation trough, the circumferential wall being configured to enclose the foam pad and the lower insole, the foam pad being sandwiched and positioned between the upper and lower insoles, characterized by: the circumferential wall close to a heel portion of the upper insole being provided with a notch, the notch being adapted to receive a foam lug extending from a rear end of the foam pad, the foam lug being shaped to fit in the notch to prop up the upper and lower insoles at the notch to function as an air port for air between the upper and lower insoles to enter and exit to circulate air.
 2. The ventilating insole structure as claimed in claimed in claim 1, wherein a bottom of a heel portion of a shoe is formed with an air outlet corresponding to the air port, the foam lug of the foam pad being inserted into the air outlet for guiding fresh air into the shoe.
 3. The ventilating insole structure as claimed in claimed in claim 1, wherein the circumferential wall close to the heel portion of the upper insole is provided with one or a plurality of notches configured to receive an air guide pipe therein, the air guide pipe corresponding in number and in shape to the notch for the rear end of the foam pad to extend out rearward, the air guide pipe being adapted for air between the upper and lower insoles to enter and exit so as to circulate air.
 4. The ventilating insole structure as claimed in claimed in claim 3, wherein a bottom of a heel portion of a shoe is formed with an air outlet corresponding to the notch, the air guide pipe extending outward to be fitted in the air outlet, a distal end of the air guide pipe extending out of the shoe to circulate air.
 5. The ventilating insole structure as claimed in claimed in claim 1, wherein the circumferential wall close to the heel portion of the upper insole is provided with one or a plurality of notches configured to receive a converting pipe therein, the converting pipe corresponding in number to the notch for the rear end of the foam pad to extend out rearward, the converting pipe being adapted to prop up the upper insole and the lower insole at the notch for air between the upper and lower insoles to enter and exit so as to circulate air, a distal end of the converting pipe being connected with a socket of an L-shaped sleeve to form a bent and extendable air passage, the sleeve being hidden at an inner side of a shoe, a distal end of the sleeve extending out of the shoe, the converting pipe and the L-shaped sleeve guiding fresh air in and out of the shoe to circulate air.
 6. The ventilating insole structure as claimed in claimed in claim 1, wherein the foam pad with the foam lug is fitted in the accommodation trough of the upper insole and the notch by the circumferential wall and attached to a top surface of a sole, the foam pad being sandwiched and positioned between the upper insole and the sole, a bottom of a heel portion of the sole being formed with an air outlet corresponding to the foam lug extending from the rear end of the foam pad, the foam lug extending outward for air to enter and exit so as to circulate air.
 7. The ventilating insole structure as claimed in claimed in claim 1, wherein the foam pad is fitted in the accommodation trough of the upper insole by the circumferential wall and attached to a top surface of the lower insole, the foam pad being sandwiched and positioned between the upper and lower insoles, a central portion of a heel section of the lower insole being formed with an air guide hole, a heel pad being attached to the lower insole, the heel pad being formed with a blind hole at a rear section thereof, the blind hole being aligned with the air guide hole to cover the air guide hole, the blind hole being connected with an air leading pipe, a distal end of the air leading pipe extending out of a shoe to circulate air. 